This world was ruled by power.
Magic, combat skills, and special abilities determined everything—your status, your future, even your survival. The weak were ignored, the strong were respected, and those at the top were untouchable.
In this world, turning fifteen meant stepping into adulthood. From that moment on, a person had only two choices: live an ordinary life, or walk the path of an adventurer.
And adventurers were the ones who gained everything.
Money. Fame. Power.
Or death.
At the edge of the city, in a small, broken room barely fit for living, a boy stood silently. The walls were cracked, the floor coated in dust, and the air carried a faint dampness that never truly left. It wasn't much, but to him, it was home.
Igna held a small pouch in his hand.
Slowly, he opened it.
Inside were twelve gold coins.
For most, it was nothing.
For him, it was everything.
His fingers tightened around the pouch, trembling slightly as he stared at it.
"…Finally."
It had taken years. Small jobs, odd work, days without food, nights without rest.
All for this moment.
Today, he would become an adventurer.
The streets were alive. Merchants shouted over prices, travelers moved in groups, and adventurers walked with a presence that made them stand out without trying.
Some wore shining armor, reflecting sunlight as they walked with pride.
Some laughed loudly, celebrating victories only they understood.
Others moved in silence, their bodies carrying scars that told stories of battles fought deep within dungeons.
Igna walked among them quietly, his eyes observing everything—their weapons, their movements, their confidence.
A small spark ignited inside him.
One day… I'll stand like them.
He tightened his grip on the pouch and continued forward until he stopped before a massive structure.
The Venger Guild.
Tall, solid, dominating.
Just looking at it made his heart beat faster.
Igna took a deep breath and stepped inside.
Noise hit him instantly. Voices overlapped in every direction, arguments broke out in corners, and laughter echoed through the hall. The scent of metal, sweat, and alcohol filled the air, creating a chaotic atmosphere that somehow felt alive.
Igna paused briefly, taking it all in, then walked forward.
At the front desk stood a girl organizing papers. As he approached, she looked up, her gaze quickly scanning him before a hint of surprise appeared in her eyes.
"Good morning. Are you here to register?"
Igna nodded, trying to steady himself. "Yes… my name is Igna."
She tilted her head slightly, observing him more carefully. "You don't look sixteen."
Igna glanced away, a little embarrassed.
A faint smile appeared on her lips before she extended her hand. "ID proof."
He handed it over. She checked it briefly, then nodded. "Alright. Follow me."
They entered a separate training room. Weapons lined the walls neatly, training dummies stood in rows, and at the center a glowing orb rested on a pedestal.
"Place your hand on the orb," she said.
Igna stepped forward and did as instructed.
The moment his hand touched it, the orb began to glow—softly at first, then brighter.
Her expression shifted slightly as she watched.
"Now show me your combat skills."
Igna nodded. "I use a dagger."
She handed him one.
The moment it touched his hand, everything changed. His posture straightened, his grip tightened, his eyes sharpened.
He moved.
Fast. Precise. Controlled.
Every step had purpose. Every strike was clean. Not a single motion was wasted.
She watched in silence, analyzing every detail.
After a few moments, he stopped.
The room fell quiet.
"Igna…"
She looked at him, a small smile forming. "You're A-rank."
His eyes widened slightly.
"It's not the highest," she continued, "but it's well above average. With proper training, you can go much further."
She handed him his adventurer pass.
Igna held it tightly, determination flickering in his eyes. "Thank you."
He paused, then added, "I'll reach Destroyer rank one day."
She let out a small amused breath. "That's a long journey."
Then her expression turned serious. "To enter a dungeon, you'll need a team."
Igna nodded. "I'll find one."
Back in the main hall, he approached a group of adventurers.
"I'm an A-rank adventurer. Can I join your team?"
They glanced at him briefly, then shook their heads. "We're full."
He tried another group.
Same answer.
Another.
Same result.
Some didn't even listen. Some laughed. Some ignored him completely.
Each rejection chipped away at him.
Until finally, he stopped.
He sat at an empty table, staring at the ground.
Maybe… I'm not enough.
"Hey."
A voice broke through his thoughts.
Igna looked up.
Three girls stood before him—confident, composed, different.
"I'm May. S-rank."
Igna froze.
"I'm Stela. Mage."
She smiled playfully.
"And I'm Maxe… healer."
Her voice was soft, gentle.
Igna didn't know how to react.
May crossed her arms. "We need one more member. Silvi said you're A-rank."
Her eyes locked onto his. "Join us."
His heart skipped.
"R-Really…?"
Stela laughed. "He looks like a puppy."
Igna froze, embarrassed.
May added casually, "You'll be useful… at least for now."
The words stung.
But it didn't matter.
Not anymore.
This was his chance.
"I'll join."
This time, his voice was steady.
As they stepped out of the guild, Stela suddenly reached out and pinched his cheek. "Too cute."
Igna stepped back quickly. "I'm not a kid!"
Stela laughed. "We'll see."
Ahead of them, May continued walking without turning back.
"Get ready."
Her voice was calm, but carried weight.
"We're heading to a dungeon."
Igna looked at them, then forward at the world waiting ahead.
For the first time, he smiled.
His journey had finally begun.